Richard Li Makes a Name for Himself,
But What Is He: A Prophet or Profiteer?

By

Peter Wonacott Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated April 3, 2000 12:01 a.m. ET

HONG KONG -- One afternoon last September, Billy Tam had an idea. A few minutes later, he had US$12.8 million to fund it.

The cash didn't drop from the sky, but just about. It came from Richard Li, whose Pacific Century CyberWorks Ltd. has pioneered Asia's high-velocity style of investing to match the 33-year-old chairman's own manic work pace.

In a blurted telephone call, Mr. Li pledged the investment to back Mr. Tam's...